North African Dry Rub Recipes

HARISSA POWDER

Steps:

• Remove and discard stems and seeds from dried chiles. Slice chiles in half or quarters, if they are large.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add chiles and heat through to ensure all the moisture has evaporated. Remove and place on a rack to cool. Place cumin seeds, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, and peppercorns to skillet. Stir seeds and toast until fragrant but not burning, about 3 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
• Grind chiles and toasted seeds with a mortar and pestle into a coarse powder. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, smoked salt, parsley, and oregano. Continue to blend until all spices are completely combined and pulverized.

NORTH AFRICAN MEAT RUB

Steps:

• In a spice grinder (I use a coffee grinder)grind the salt, oregano, rosemary, caraway and the turmeric to a fine powder.
• Mix this with the Harissa, garlic and the three tablespoons of olive oil.
• Transfer to a small jar and top with more olive oil so it won't dry out (always keep a thin layer on top).

NORTH AFRICAN INSPIRED RUB FOR FISH AND CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high.
• Combine all the spices in a small bowl. Brush both sides of fish fillets or chicken breasts with oil. Rub 1 side of the fish fillets or chicken breasts with the rub and grill, rub side down, until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 4 minutes. Flip over and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Click here for Bobby's Buttermilk Southwestern Grilled Chicken.

GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH NORTH AFRICAN SPICE RUB

Steps:

• For Yogurt Sauce:
• Whisk yogurt, chopped cilantro and minced garlic in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper.
• For Spice Rub:
• Combine chopped onion, chopped garlic cloves, caraway seeds, ground coriander and cayenne pepper in bowl of processor. Process until onion and garlic are very finely chopped and past forms.
• Spread spice rub on each side of swordfish steaks, dividing equally. (Yogurt sauce and spice rub-coated fish can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Brush grill or broiler pan and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Grill or broil swordfish steaks until fish is just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer fish to plates. Top with dollop of yogurt sauce; garnish with lime wedges and serve.

NORTH AFRICAN SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Store in a sealed container.